Versa 4 is overcounting my steps

[Ballen77]

I bought the Versa 4 well over a week ago. I've owned other health bands and I'm aware of my step count. The Versa 4 was accurate initially but now it's way over counting steps. I have it on my non dominant wrist, and there doesn't seem to be any way to adjust. It looks like others have the same problem, is there a fix? 


Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[LZeeW]

Hi @Ballen77    You can change the accelerometer's sensitivity by following this path.  Tap on the device/battery icon in the upper left of your Fitbit app.  Tap on your Versa 4 tile.  Scroll down Device preferences and tap on it.  Change Wrist preference to Dominant, even though you are wearing it on your non-dominant wrist.

There are many reasons why wrist worn devices can overcount and undercount steps.

[ManuFitbit]

A warm welcome to the forums @Ballen77. 

Thank you for the information provided regarding this difficulty that you are experiencing with Versa 4. 

Please confirm if you are using Mobile track. It is a service that allows you to count steps using your phone even if you forget to wear your Fitbit. If that is your case, Mobile track will add the steps recorded by your phone to the Fitbit app. You can "unpair" Mobile Track from your account.  On your Fitbit app go to the upper left corner, on the phone and device icon. Click on your phone icon and hoose "Disconnect device".

On the other hand, keep in mind the algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement, such as working or cooking, you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats.

The restart doesn't delete your records but it can help to prevent the inconvenience from happening again. Before considering other options, and if you still consider the steps are not accurate, please make sure that you've tried the restart procedure again as described in this article, then check if you continue to experience the same behavior. In the meantime, you can find more useful information about the accuracy of Fitbit devices and how to adjust your stride length and dominant hand settings here.

Thanks for your help @LZeeW. 

[Guy_]

Hi @Ballen77 - please also be aware the difference between dominant and non dominant only affects how many steps must be taken before any recording of steps starts. It won't make any difference when on a continuous normal walk for instance.